Fleur Oriental

I had a sample of this for years before it clicked, but when it did, I loved it. On me, Fleur Oriental is smooth, sweet, carnation-vanilla smoke that effortlessly reminds me of a lot of different fragrances I like without being quite like any of them. It smells like the deep drydown of Habanita after all of the drama has died down and the diva is finally at rest. It also has the warm/cool effect of L'Heure Bleue without any of its syrup or melancholy. Like Shalimar, it is about sweet smoke, but without the insistent bergamot or the Catholic guilt. I love classic perfumes, but often find them a bit demanding for everyday wear -- Fleur Oriental is poised as a solution to this problem. Its orientalia is stripped down and modern while still sending up a satisfyingly complex cloud of smoke, powder, flowers, and vanilla. More importantly, it doesn't add in any of the annoying modern aromachemical flavors-of-the-month that make so many attempts to create a modern oriental so disappointing. Have you ever seen a really good rehab of a dark, busy Victorian home that lets in some light and space without ruining the original molding or trying to turn it into something it's not? This is Fleur Oriental.

I can immediately see why there are some folk who note a similarity with Shalimar edp. I agree. It reminds me of my bottle of Shalimar back in the 80s at the beginning. The amber, carnation, heliotrope and vanilla hit you first. Yes it's quite potent. Very potent for a humble edt! Finally it starts to ease up a little and you can pick up on the rose, musk and neroli. You have to wait a couple of hours though. It is quite powdery. I have to say I miss the intense citrus opening of Shalimar and the leather note. Finally the neroli surfaces which seems novel. It smells closest to Shalimar at this stage. I miss the intensity of Shalimar and perhaps depth. The heliotrope is the last note to fade. Having said all that this stands on it's own merit. The carnation is the crucial note that brings everything together and adds some necessary oomph. It's a very warm and cosy fragrance. I can't imagine many disliking this classic floral oriental. I get good longevity and sillage.

Fleur Oriental is amazing. I love this house. For those of us who prefer darker, denser, ‘vintage’ perfumes, made of natural essences, this is made for us. Does Lyn Harris love classic Guerlains? There is a nod here to both Shalimar and L’Heure Bleue, in the spicy carnation that is the anchor floral note, and the smoky musk that burns through the heart notes, and the sweet amber in the base. The carnation here is highlighted by rose, and farther down into the base jasmine and heliotrope. It is spicy without being full of distracting clove notes, as it seems most carnation perfumes are. As Fleur Oriental wears into the base, it loses its spice and become sweet, a sweet musky amber vanilla, with a bit of heliotrope—truly musk and not reminiscent of laundry detergent. Modest silage at first, becomes a skin scent in the base, lasts 8+ hours with 2 or 3 sprays. This is for the EDP.

For no reason whatsoever this fragrance reminds me of a childhood Christmas, when I received a box of three perfumed soaps, wrapped in bright coloured pleated silk paper, and embellished with Art Nouveau style stickers. One was lilac, the second sandalwood and the third violet. I might have been ten or so, and of all the presents this was my favourite, so much so, that I remember having slept with the box in my bed for a long time. See? No notes are the same, and Fleur Oriental is NOT a soapy scent. Yet, like my childhood soaps, this fragrance is also festive, warm, embracing and rich, just like the most wonderful Christmases of my life. Highly recommended. (And yes, it does remind me of Shalimar, especially the first 10 minutes.) Longevity: excellent, lasts a whole day and the morning of the next.

Christmas is coming on and in my relentless quest to find the perfect carnation scent, thought I'd give it a try. With everyone comparing this to SHALIMAR, I mean who wouldn't like this on some level. On initial application, I get the peppery snap sharpness of what I suppose is the Carnation, very similar to Caron's SACRE....this is very fleeting, not even 15 minutes. It settles into a powdery mellow amber-vanilla, with the emphasis on the vanilla, which is nice. If you've tried HABANITA you'll feel the similarity at this point. I accidentally bought the EDT, and I would imagine the EDP would be softer and overall better. Non-glaring carnations is what I want for Christmas, as it reminds me of my long gone dad, it was his favorite flower.

Smooth, powdery, fluffy cloud of oriental floral heaven. One of the first "niche" fragrances I ever purchased, about 15 years ago. It feels weightless, which is rare for this type of oriental. It's like a heavy fragrance injected with helium to give it lift. It hovers above the skin and has a very realistic powder feel to it. Like you have applied actual powder. The powdery aspect almost has a Guerlain feel. If you like powdery fragrances, you must give this a try. It's just beautiful. I have the EDT, not sure if the other forms are as "fluffy". I would try the others but love this one so much I almost see no need.

I recently sampled five Miller Harris perfumes and they are all high quality, interesting, and above all smelling good! A new favorite perfume house of mine. Fleur oriental is a dense perfume. Heliotrope, vanilla, carnation, amber, in this order, are well balanced. The result is a perfume that you experience as a rich unified scent. Yet when sniffed with focus, easily deconstructed to its ingredients. That shows skill. Some perfumes with good natural ingredients fade quickly, but not fleur oriental. It lasts long and sticks to its theme during the drydown. Well done Lyn Harris!

Yes, this one bears a ressemblance to Shalimar. But dare I say, to me it's even better than Shalimar (and I own dozens versions of Shalimar). The drydown is pure heaven, but for the EDT only, which I believe was the first iteration of this perfume. I had the EDP which came after, and I also had the one that came in a 30ml dab-on bottle (don't know if it was the extrait ?) but both were more compact, opaque and felt like they couldn't lift of the skin (if that make sense). The EDT is airier, with better sillage, it's pure perfection.

Hi Sablebombe, your loss was my gain. Many thanks, I love this - it is really beautiful on me. It is one of the lightest incenses, with a lovely floral bouquet of carnation, rose and a slightly gourmand almond note from the heliotrope. The jasmine for me is really well-behaved and the longevity is great. I spritzed once this morning and I am still enjoying it at long past midnight. Sillage is perfect, enough to be noticed but safe for the tram and the workplace. So glad you did not like it ;-)

I recieved a sample of this and it didnt say if it was an EDT or EDP and I fell in LOVE with it so I ordered a bottle instantly but I ordered the EDT and I am not sure if there is a big difference. Now I am a little worried. I hope it is the lovely sweet powdery scent from the sample. Update: So my sample was the EDP and they are extremely similar...the EDT isnt as creamy but just as nice it is also very strong....I am getting the EDP now! I must always have this scent in my life!

This perfume reminds me of Shalimar EDP - but, for me, is more delicate. The beginning is not so sharp. I feel vanilla, jasmine, musk and some spices, longevity is very good.

Love at first sniff. I don’t find it to be floral as much, bit more oriental. Also, There’s nothing wrong with “smelling like an old lady”

NOTES: Top- Bergamot, Orange flower Heart- Spicy carnation, Rose, Heliotrope Base- Vanilla, Benzoin, Amber, Labdanum, Musk

This scent is warm and spicy...great for the holidays or a fireside snuggle.

Miller Harris Fleur Oriental gives me the impression of quality components, pleasantly composed if not ground-breaking. It is reminiscent of some Andy Tauer scents, among others. I find that the floral part is fairly brief or subdued, moving quickly to a nice warm amber and musk scent, with a good amount of vanilla. It's either finely balanced or a little timid, depending on one's personal preferences...not too sweet, not too spicy, not too strong, not too hippy, not too musky, not too flowery, not too incense-y. The only problem I have with it is that for me, it falls on the timid side. For those with delicate tastes, or those looking for a perfume that can be worn without drawing undue attention at work, it might be just what the scent-doctor ordered. I can see the allusions to Shalimar; there is something about Fleur Oriental that strongly reminds me of a lighter version of the Shalimar base, without the richer floral, balsamic, and citrus notes that round out that classic perfume. I'd like my home to smell like this...In sum, no complaints, but no unrestrained applause. Sillage and duration are moderate on me.

This fragrance plays the same type of music that Chanel coco or Shalimar does. The volume is not as high, but the music is just as satisfying. I always think of Shalimar and Chanel coco as perfumes that I would go to listen to Jazz to. You know the lights are dimmed, a drift of smoke is in the air. The sound of the horn or piano in the background. This would be great for such an occasion. I smell the carnation, amber and vanilla first and next comes the flowers and musk which settles in the background at first. As it dries down more, they make themselves known a bit more. But they never take away from the spiciness of the carnation or the rich tone of the amber or vanilla. This is delicious. The music it plays is not as loud as Chanel coco or Shalimar, but every bit as satisfying.

Fleur Oriental is a very fitting name for this perfume. Warm oriental base of resinous amber and vanilla...check...then some beautifully natural florals...check and musky qualities...check! I think the main thing that sets this apart is just how much natural spice has been accentuated from the carnation for example, it really does smell like a healthy dose of cloves. I do pick up on the white floral orange blossom a lot and jasmine to a lesser extent, this puts me right in mind of Creed royal English leather and Tauer Eau D'epices. The thing that sets this apart is the rose, a very well done fragrance which has enough elements of creaminess, florals, musk but with a bite of spice. I like it! Lasted pretty well, not my favourite from the line but a good scent all the same.

Miller Harris FLEUR ORIENTAL is a sweet and spicy perfume which stands out from the crowd with its combination of vanilla and carnation. The scent also seems somewhat woody to my nose, though no woods are listed as notes. I don't think that I have ever smelled a carnation-centric scent quite this sweet. I don't think that it is too sweet, but it's definitely very different from some of the carnation-clove perfumes I've sniffed (including Caron BELLODGIA). FLEUR ORIENTAL smells multilayered and complex, and the ingredients seem to be very good, as nothing disintegrates at all. This is the quality which I expect from a niche house, and I am beginning to understand why Lyn Harris has such a following...

It took me a long time to sample the MH women only range of fragrances, being a fan of the unisex and male range, which took a while to discover and acquire. So I am coming late to this and there isn't much I can add to the detailed descriptions below. Still, I would rate this quite highly, it is a very brave interpretation of the traditional oriental cannon of feminine perfumery. I can see why so many below compare it to Shalimar - they are in the same register, although I can't really find many similarities. This is a bold carnation/amber/heliotrope statement, with suitable musk base. Definitely having a retro vibe, sending one back to classic heavy hitters from the past.

Ravishing lemony-vanilla clouds emanated from my skin today with the temperature reaching a cosy 30 degrees celsius in my neck of the woods. I do admire an oriental that can withstand the heat. Semi-peppery semi-citrus sensations combined with masterfully constructed vanilla notes share traits with some of the most alluring features of masculine perfumery, however this does not compromise Fleur Oriental's beguiling femininity in any way whatsoever. Irresistible wafts of sumptuousness delighted me as the day wore on. Fleur Oriental is a captivating journey, a temperamental top matures into a reliable and thoroughly engaging masterpiece. In a word, magnificent.

Fleur Oriental is a finely crafted, elegant masterpiece. It almost smells vintage, but not quite. When I sampled this I couldn't help but imagine a woman like Jackie O'Nassis wearing it. I'm surprised iris isn't listed as a note here because that is what I gather from it the most--a high-quality spicy orris root blended perfectly with amber and elegant florals. It's one of those perfumes that actually smells "expensive". It can get a bit powdery, which makes it kind of oppressive in hot weather. I may buy this in the future as an aspirational scent--you know, one of those perfumes that makes you feel like a woman and stand up just a little bit straighter.

Thanx Allinug for a sample! Its weird but I get citruses on my skin - in a male'ish way. There is no citruses in this perfume. somehow I can smell a faint and small similarity to Shalimar EdT but not much. This is an elegant and very sophisticated scent but I can't wear it. Tack Allinug för provet! Konstigt, men jag får citrusnoter på min hud - tyvärr manliga sådana, och det finns ingen citrus i doftpyramiden. Det finns en svag aning om Shalimar EdT i denna doften men bara lite. Detta är en elegant och mycket sofistikerad doft men jag kan inte göra den rättvisa, tyvärr.

I decided to try Fleur Oriental after reading its olfactory composition. I find FO a stunningly beautiful fragrance with both great floral and oriental qualities: I love everything from the carnation, rose and jasmine to the wonderful vanilla base. It suites its name perfectly. Still it's not a loud one, its very comforting for yours senses and in my opinion it works both day and nighttime. It will not take long before this gem among fragrances ends up on my dressing table.

It certainly has similarities to the now discontinued Shalimar Legere, and is almost a Shalimar Light for those who basically like Shalimar but want something less overpowering. You could wear this in the daytime as well as evening - rich, multilayered and not overwhelmingly floral in effect, despite the name

As some of the previous reviewers noted, it reminds me of Shalimar minus the citrussy opening plus more carnation. I would wear it if I was gifted a bottle however as I already have and love Shalimar this would be redundant.

Excessively soapy, but delicious layered with samsara.

It's a beautiful perfume - spicy and powdery and very, very warm! Lots of vanilla, carnation, jasmine and musk ... quite alluring. I saw that it had amber in the notes and being an amber fan thought I should try this - I have to say that I cannot detect any amber in this whatsoever. Sadly, it isn't for me as it has varying smells on my skin - sometimes it smells rather too much like a sour cologne; other times the jasmine screeches out of my skin and other times, like today, it is powdery soft and gentle! My skin chemistry does not get along with jasmine and I suspect that this is the culprit. If you do get along with jasmine and feminine scents then I could not recommend this more highly. Medium silage and fairly long lasting.

The first time I tried Fleur Oriental I thought, yes it does remind me of Shalimar but the more I wear it no Shalimar. Now it reminds me of Habanita...I always feel a sweet note in Habanita and it's the same here and I can't stand it.

Familiar, With A Twist... I was taken aback this morning when I decided to test my new sample of Fleur Oriental. I had ordered three samples from this house, when I purchased my LADDM. I liked the reputation of this house, and read through most of the descriptions, before choosing my new samples. The notes in this fragrance are very attractive, with the exception of the carnation. Fortunately,this carnation comes across like a mild cinnamon. When I sprayed on my wrist, and arm, I walked around for a few minuets, and Bang! I just couldn't believe how similar it is to my Tauer Une Rose Chypree! A slightly fresher opening, but, almost identical! This is only the opening mind you, not the whole development). I was so convinced it was just like my Tauer, I sprayed both fragrances on paper strips. On the paper strips, the Tauer opening is much more intense than the Fleur Oriental, but, they are really close! It smells much more like the Rose Chypree on my skin though. Well, that was a good start to the journey! When the middle notes started to develop, I was very impressed, as the floral notes compliment each other perfectly!. Then came the wonderful dry down..Such a lovely ending..just the right amount of vanilla, warmed through by the rich amber. This is a vintage smelling fragrance, without being overbearing or complex. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a nice and genuine Oriental floral. Of course, it boosted my opinion of it, as it was truly familiar, with a twist!

This is my favorite scent when I need comforting. Warm, a bit spicy, and a bit powdery, it has good lasting powder. At the time this first came out, there was a lot of press indicating it was a sexy fragrance, but I don't get the bombshell qualities. This fragrance is also an example of the difference between splashing and spraying. I wrote a review on Basenotes in which I noted some after-shave like note. I don't get that impression when I spray this one. Lasting power is good.

Almost a chocolate musk on me; looking for it specifically, I can detect a faint tart floral of orange blossoms underneath, but the main feeling is of a foody, creamy rich musk. Dries down to a smooth, incense amber musk. Lovely and yes, almost old school, as others have suggested her. I don't feel it ever gets old fashioned, though; it walks that fine line and smells feminine, rich and elegant. It also is sort of the olfactory equivalent of a cashmere blanket. Love it.

This starts off as a "sharp" scent on me. I always wonder how many EBAY purchases are genuine so if the majority of reviews are raves and it is horrid on me I suspect a bad product. The only notes I get are amber and musk. And to be honest..I smell smoke. After I let it settle down awhile I do smell a faint floral note. However, this is to "harsh" on me....to suffer through the top notes to get to something not spectacular on the final stage is not for me...

Beautiful. Got some Habanita going on in here. No Patchouly listed, yet I swear I can smell some, maybe there was a bit left on my skin from yesterday..... So enamoured, I wore a scarf, and kept pulling it up like a highwayman's mask to take long sniffs when I went out shopping. Once again, I managed to miss the MH boat, and only get switched on when it's discontinued, as I was with Jasmine Vert. Oh! I need to pay attention!

Dude, that’s modern Shalimar minus the heavy dose of citrus on top (which is a plus for me). Really like it because I love Shalimar, but for some reason I did not expect them to smell so similar. EDIT: The musk in this is a bit too clean for me. Gives it a slight hollow structure. Would’ve smelled much better with a bit of animalic musk to hold things together. Longevity’s pretty impressive though.

Carnations all the way! It's cozy, it's spicy, it's sweet - it's beautiful! I also get nice vanilla in it (hence, the sweetness), jasmine, heliotrope, and... have I mentioned carnations already?? It lasts most of the day (and I have an EDT), it seems like it has a potential to become heavy and loud, but it never actually does: on contrary, it wears very nicely. Love it!

Big on amber and carnation. Vintage and a little masculine smelling.A classically sophisticated man could easily wear it! Big sillage. It is also sweet in a mature way, woody-sweet maybe.. It is potent and best suitable for winter in my opinion. Better for people at least 30 and above. Or under 30 and librarian-chic style! LOL!

I love it!!! Came across during a trip to London. Actually I had Shalimar ́s new perfume in mind but after testing this one, I said I am getting it!!! Shalimar is also very warm, feminine but smells a little bit older or more for night to me.. whenever I wear Miller ́s Fleur Oriental I feel warm, comfortable, and delicious :)

I tested it recently, and it reminded me Shalimar but without the smoky leather. The sweet spiced powdery feeling has the same oriental character. This one, is more gentle and wearable even more romantic than sensual. It is light, modest but tenacious and long lasting.

The name says it all. I imagined it would be a floral fragrance with a touch of animallic, mineral notes but it was the other way around. It was mostly oriental with maybe a hint of some flower to bring out even more oriental notes.

Nice. I get no carnation, thank God, just that lovely ol'1970s incense smell. Not dying to own it as I've got lots of things that smell 'a bit' like it.

Fleur oriental reminds me of Serge Lutens Chergui. However, it's still a very warm and beautiful composition.

Strange, I expected oriental, exotic flowers and all I got was Philosykos Diptyque. Figs, fig leafs...

Great fragrance, comforting, like a scent from the past..like caramel vanilla